Norfolk Southern contractors removing a burned tank car (benzene, residual) from the crash site. Photo from the EPA.

News Release

INDIANAPOLIS — Gov. Eric J. Holcomb offered the following statement regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s  decision to transport hazardous materials from the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment to an Indiana facility.

“I continue to object to the EPA Administrator’s decision, from Washington, D.C., to move hazardous waste from the East Palestine train derailment to Indiana. Further, there has been a lack of communication with me and other Indiana officials about this decision.

“After learning third-hand that materials may be transported to our state yesterday, I directed my environmental director to reach out to the agency. The materials should go to the nearest facilities, not moved from the far eastern side of Ohio to the far western side of Indiana. I have made a request to speak to the administrator to discuss this matter. I want to know exactly what precautions will be taken in the transport and disposition of the materials.”

A norfolk Southern train derailed at approximately 8:55 p.m. Feb. 3, in East Palestine. The incident was reported at 10:53 p.m. Eastern Time to the National Response Center. At that time, it was reported an unknown number of the 150 train cars had derailed, but 20 of the cars were listed as carrying hazardous materials. Approximately 50 cars were affected by the derailment with the rest being uncoupled and removed from the scene.

EPA is committed to protecting the health and safety of the East Palestine, Ohio community. EPA personnel have been on site since the onset of the train derailment, working alongside federal, state, and local partners with on-the-ground response efforts.

As of Feb. 27, EPA has conducted 578 home re-entry screenings to date and continues air monitoring at 15 stations within the community. EPA continues to offer the air screening service to any resident within the evacuation zone who wants a screening.